What a delightful picture of the horse on Gurney Hill in Hartford getting a hug. Do you suppose this makes up for being left out in the blistering sun with no shelter from rain, wind or insects? Is that snow we see on the pen and no shelter to be had?

These horses arrived Aug. 1, complaints began on Aug. 3 and Mr. Rathburn of animal control was called on Aug. 13 about this horrible situation. Several of us have called repeatedly voicing concern only to be told the people had been given a deadline to provide shelter and four times the deadline was extended.

Now Mr. Rathburn says “If the horse barn isn’t up by winter he may be forced to seize the horses?” The state veterinarian called my friend a few days ago and said the owners had been told they must have a barn up by this weekend. Our town clerk found people willing to take these horses but the owners prefer to love them themselves. My friend who goes by on horseback says it breaks your heart to see those horses pressing against the rails and calling out, somebody, please, please, help me.

Brenda Packard, Hartford